The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) offers discounted TV license fees for certain qualifying citizens, including pensioners under specific circumstances. This benefit aims to make access to TV content more affordable for eligible individuals.
Who Qualifies for a Concessionary TV License?
Not all pensioners automatically qualify for a discounted TV license. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Social Grant Recipient: Pensioners who receive government-issued social grants qualify for a concessionary license regardless of their age.
- Age: Individuals 70 years old and above are eligible for the discounted rate even if they don’t receive social grants.
- Disability: Regardless of age and income, individuals with declared disabilities qualify for a concessionary license.
Important Conditions to Remember:
- Partner’s existing license: If your partner already holds a valid TV license, you might not be eligible for a separate concessionary license in the same household.
- Shared residence: If you share your residence with another family that has a fully paid-up TV license, you may not qualify for the discount.
- Single-residence discount: The discounted rate only applies to your primary residence where the TV is used. Additional TV sets in other locations like holiday homes require a separate license at the full rate.
Cost and Payment
- Standard TV license fee: R265 per year
- Concessionary TV license fee: R74 per year (significantly lower than the standard fee)
- Payment options: Unlike the standard license, which allows monthly installments after the initial annual payment, concessionary license holders must pay the full fee of R74 annually.
Applying for a TV License Concessionary License
- Complete the application form provided by the SABC.
- Pay the annual fee of R74.
- Submit the following documents:
- Valid proof of identity: South African National ID (ID card) or Passport
- Proof of address: Documents confirming both your physical and postal address
- Contact information: Valid phone number and email address (if available)
- Additional proof based on your qualification:
- Social grant recipients: Official letter from the Department of Social Development verifying your social grant and its start date.
- Individuals 70 years or older: Duly completed and certified affidavit confirming your living situation (e.g., sworn statement by a Commissioner of Oaths).
Contact Information
- Phone: 011 330 9555
- Email: tvlic.info@sabc.co.za
Checking TV License Status
- Visit the official SABC TV license website: https://www.tvlic.co.za/tvlic/
- Log in using your ID number or TV license account number.
- Click “Submit” to access your license information, including payment status and any outstanding balance.
Conclusion:
Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process for a concessionary TV license helps ensure you comply with regulations while benefiting from the available discount. If you are unsure about your eligibility or require further assistance, contacting the SABC directly is recommended.